It is not uncommon for auctions like this one to get rescheduled multiple times before ever actually making it to the courthouse steps. 

Hi Joshua, the amount of down payment also changes with the cost of the property, so starting with a less expensive property may be smart (for multiple reasons).

I recommend you send notice earlier than required and by multiple avenues to verify receipt.

Additionally I have multiple prospects very close to my existing home that have not been remodeled since construction in the late 1970's.  

Be prepared to follow up multiple times, using different forms of communication—calls, emails, and if possible, in-person visits to their office.

When you add that: "The downpayment and closing costs would be one large hurdle"; I can't tell if you can only afford to do this once (thus tying up whatever you have saved) or multiple times.  

Key Factors for a Good Seller-Financed DealCash Flow: Rental income should exceed monthly payments (PITI) by at least 1.25–1.5x.Purchase Price: Compare to ARV and market value for fair pricing and equity potential.Interest Rate: Aim for competitive rates; higher rates must still allow positive cash flow.Amortization/Balloon Terms: Favor longer amortization and align balloon payments with your exit strategy.Down Payment: Lower upfront costs reduce risk but should meet the seller's expectations.Flexibility: Seek no prepayment penalties and fair late-payment clauses.Property Condition: Ensure the property’s condition matches terms through inspections.Seller Motivation: Assess the seller’s willingness to negotiate favorable terms.Exit Strategy: Have a clear plan for refinancing or payoff at term end.Portfolio Fit: Ensure the deal aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.Vetting multiple deals and consulting professionals is crucial to making sound decisions.

From designing the marketing materials to engaging and closing the prospective investor Matt and his team have every aspect of this training covered.

I heard about bigger pockets from a friend of mine that has successfully built and rented multiple properties in our area. 

•For your next purchase, check if you can leverage FHA financing again—it’s one of the most powerful ways to scale quickly.Resources to Learn More•Due on Sale Clause & LLC Transfers: Nolo.com•FHA Loan Rules for Multiple Properties: HUD Handbook 4000.1•Scaling from Single-Family to Multi-Family Investing: “The House Hacking Strategy” by Craig CurelopHope this helps!